Gaza's Rescuers Struggle Through Trauma and Destruction

Amid the rubble of Gaza, Civil Defence rescue workers are grappling with traumatic memories and a dire lack of resources as they confront the challenges of recovery in a war-torn landscape. "I have become afraid of my own memories," shared Abdullah al-Majdalawi, a 24-year-old rescuer, as they mourn the loss of colleagues and navigate the horrors of their work.

Rescue workers like Al-Majdalawi have become symbols of heroism amidst tragedy. The Civil Defence agency reported that over 100 rescue workers have been killed, mirroring a staggering civilian death toll in the conflict. Despite a fragile ceasefire, more than 10,000 bodies are estimated to still lie under rubble, awaiting recovery amid a lack of equipment and psychological support. As the search continues, families sift through remains in the hopes of finding loved ones, clinging to the hope of closure in an environment overwhelmed by grief and destruction.

"All we need is the equipment, and we will do it," asserted Nooh al-Shaghnobi, a fellow rescue worker, committed to honoring the lives lost through their painstaking efforts in the aftermath of the conflict.

---

Gaza's rescuers persevere as they confront emotional trauma and dig through rubble to find lost loved ones. With the devastation leaving countless bodies buried, these workers face immense challenges amidst a harsh reality.